Bealach Beag Sportive

[Herbie]

I'm one of the many who could'nt get into this years Etape Caledonia so have found an alternative Sportive to do...the Bealach Beag...much cheaper than the Etape and easy to enter...anyone here done it and intending to enter it again? Its only 43 miles but will be a bit tough with plenty climbing etc....anyone care to give me a few pointers if you've done this one....ta very much

 

[PaulB]

It's much easier to get in than we thought so we got an entry for last year. While I was up there in May, I did the big, scenic climb and enjoyed it so looked forward to the event but we couldn't do it as that was the weekend my son made me granddad so we had other distractions. And the wind was so violent, they changed the route rendering the alternative not really worth tackling. But I'll enter again for this year.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Considering doing the Bealach Mor this year. I've entered 3 already but this one requires a few days away due to its location. The missus might need some flowers and a box of chocolates should i hope to take part.

The Bealach Beag looks very doable. If you have the time i am sure you will enjoy it.

I got in to the Etape. Though arguably tougher than them all is the Kinross sportive, which i am unfortunate enough to also take part in 2013. It's brutal. Sold out in a matter of hours.

 

[Herbie]

It's much easier to get in than we thought so we got an entry for last year. While I was up there in May, I did the big, scenic climb and enjoyed it so looked forward to the event but we couldn't do it as that was the weekend my son made me granddad so we had other distractions. And the wind was so violent, they changed the route rendering the alternative not really worth tackling. But I'll enter again for this year.

Hope to see you there....how will i recognise you?

 

[Nebulous]

Did the big one in 2011. Much more of a challenge than the Etape Caledonia, but not such an 'event' if that makes sense. The hands on events all have a good reputation, with a lot of people really liking the Cairngorm one.

I'm not well enough organised to think about booking yet - but I may well give it a go again.

 

[Herbie]

Did the big one in 2011. Much more of a challenge than the Etape Caledonia, but not such an 'event' if that makes sense. The hands on events all have a good reputation, with a lot of people really liking the Cairngorm one.

I'm not well enough organised to think about booking yet - but I may well give it a go again.

Yes i get what you mean....a great event without the fuss and a cast of thousands and not a huge money spinner for the local economy....sounds like my kind of event

 

[doonhaemer]

You could consider the Lochaber 100 august 31st http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=101645 Not the hardest 100 miles, but one of the most scenic,
You can enter this and get two nights local B&B for the price of the Etape entry

 

[Stu99]

I'm one of the many who could'nt get into this years Etape Caledonia so have found an alternative Sportive to do...the Bealach Beag...much cheaper than the Etape and easy to enter...anyone here done it and intending to enter it again? Its only 43 miles but will be a bit tough with plenty climbing etc....anyone care to give me a few pointers if you've done this one....ta very much

The Bealach is a great day out with epic scenery and satisfying route. The only potential problem is strong wind which can turn a challenging ride into an ordeal.

 

[Herbie]

The Bealach is a great day out with epic scenery and satisfying route. The only potential problem is strong wind which can turn a challenging ride into an ordeal.

Cheers for the info Stu.....i'd best get good training in

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Don't know if anyone managed to do the Bealach Mor this year but BBc2 covered the event for the Adventure show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03hj8ty/The_Adventure_Show_2013_2014_Episode_4/

Weather looked pretty brutal. A club mate of ours done it and came 5th. Said it was savage as the wind and rain never let up once. Gutted i never made it..........

 

[zizou]

Don't know if anyone managed to do the Bealach Mor this year but BBc2 covered the event for the Adventure show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03hj8ty/The_Adventure_Show_2013_2014_Episode_4/

Weather looked pretty brutal. A club mate of ours done it and came 5th. Said it was savage as the wind and rain never let up once. Gutted i never made it..........

Was a good programme although didnt think much of the 'expert' descending tips... a technical, windy descent like that on the hoods is asking for trouble!

 

[Waspie]

Don't know if anyone managed to do the Bealach Mor this year but BBc2 covered the event for the Adventure show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03hj8ty/The_Adventure_Show_2013_2014_Episode_4/

Weather looked pretty brutal. A club mate of ours done it and came 5th. Said it was savage as the wind and rain never let up once. Gutted i never made it..........

It was pretty brutal. Rarely been so cold on a bike as I was after the Bealach descent. Not that it will stop me entering for next year!

Enjoyed the show and I expect the tv offers will be flooding in after my 3 second appearance in it.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I think i've got a pass for next year so look forward to it. 4 hours 44mins sounds pretty easy.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Don't know if anyone managed to do the Bealach Mor this year but BBc2 covered the event for the Adventure show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03hj8ty/The_Adventure_Show_2013_2014_Episode_4/

Weather looked pretty brutal. A club mate of ours done it and came 5th. Said it was savage as the wind and rain never let up once. Gutted i never made it..........

I watched that too, looked a difficult day for some, especially crossing the railroad tracks !
Good show all round, I climbed the Old Man of Hoy a few years ago, and can only give max kudos to Red for climbing it blind, great effort.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I watched that too, looked a difficult day for some, especially crossing the railroad tracks !
Good show all round, I climbed the Old Man of Hoy a few years ago, and can only give max kudos to Red for climbing it blind, great effort.

Yeh those tracks looked especially tricky. Plenty of riders off there.
Spotted several Perth United tops on the show too. Could only name one guy though. Others couldn't tell.

I saw a bit of the climbing and yeh the guy is proper bad ass. Not my thing but i can defo see the appeal.